CRYSTAL LAKE – The first opponent the 11U Crystal Lake Bulldogs faced in the MCYSA/USSSA Summer International Championships traveled about 50 miles to get to the tournament. Their second opponent, more than 8,800 miles.

The Bulldogs earned a 15-13 come-from-behind win over Japan in their second game Saturday on the opening day of the tournament.

After falling to the Oak Park Eagles, 5-2, in first game, the Bulldogs’ bats came alive for 12 hits against Japan. In their first year as a true travel baseball organization, the Bulldogs were unfazed by international competition.